50 Sports Facts That Will Amaze You

Buried beneath the illustrious sports surface that pleasantly blinds us from reality is a collection of unknown, and often shocking, truths. None of these jaw-altering facts are the missing piece to fully understanding sports wackiness, but as a whole they add a fresh element.

Here we'll look at 50 sports facts that are sure to have you permanently stuck in "The Thinker" pose, while continuing to ask "why," "how" and "doh."

26. The Naked Olympics

25. '71 Pirates Change the Game

Image via athomeatfenway.wordpress.com

In September of 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates became the first team in history to employ a starting lineup solely of African-American and dark-skinned Latino players. Coincidentally, they would win the World Series that year.

10. Home Plate Feels Like Home

9. Yesterday's Yo-Yo

Image via ratemyfunnypictures.com

The yo-yo was first used by 16th century hunters in the Philippines. They reportedly hid up in trees and used a rock tied to a long cord, up to 20 feet in length, to throw at wild animals beneath them.

3. Goliath Conquers All

2. Gaylord Perry's Walk on the Moon

Image via nytimes.com

While watching Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry take batting practice one day during the '60s, Giants manager Alvin Dark remarked, "They'll put a man on the moon before he hits a home run." On July 20, 1969, several hours after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Perry hit his first home run.